Lithuanian and Baltic League runners-up, Zalgiris, pleased their home crowd as they defeated arch rivals Lietuvos Rytas in a pre-season BBL Cup tournament in Kaunas. Even though both teams are still in preparation stage, the game was close and the winner was decided in the final minutes.
Lietuvos Rytas won the first quarter 21-17 but Zalgiris quickly took the lead after Marcus Brown hit a three-pointer. The second quarter was better for The Greens as they secured an 8-point lead at the half time.
Zalgiris didn't stop after the half time as they reached a double digit lead. However Rytas played patiently and made two 8-0 runs in the third quarter to eventually tie the game at 61 before the final period.
Both teams were exchanging baskets in the fourth quarter keeping the gap under 5 points. WIth less than minute left to play Zalgiris had a 3-point lead. Bojan Popovic turned the ball over for Rytas and a foul sent Martynas Pocius to the free-throw line. He converted both free-throws securing 83-78 win for Zalgiris.
Dainius Salenga and Martynas Pocius were the top scorers fro Zalgiris finishing the game with 17 points each. Former countrymen Milko Bjelica and Bojan Popovic led t Rytas as they both scored 16 points.
